Employment Counsel

Career Area:

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other.  We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

Solar Turbines Incorporated, a Caterpillar Company, seeks an experienced Employment Counsel to support its Global Human Resources organization with a focus on its facilities in the United States and Canada. The ideal candidate will be an expert in California labor & employment law and will preferably have national experience, as well. Based in San Diego, California, this position will report up to the Lead Counsel for Solar Turbines and be a valued member of Caterpillar’s Law, Security & Public Policy – Legal Services Division.

Responsibilities

• Deliver legal counsel and support of our U.S. and Canadian business operations on a wide range of labor and employment matters

• Establish and maintain relationships, credibility, and trust with Human Resources and business leadership, stakeholders, and Legal Services colleagues across a global organization

• Collaborate with colleagues to provide strategic employment and labor law counsel and drive successful outcomes in complex and highly sensitive matters

• Manage disputes from claim through litigation, including the retention and direction of external counsel as necessary

• Identify and assess legal risks and new developments and advise internal business partners and leadership on development and implementation of policies and procedures

• Provide legal training based on risk assessment, strategic objectives, and legal developments

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school in the U.S.

• California State Bar License (licenses from other state bars may be considered with significant California experience)

Skills & Experience

• At least 5-10 years’ experience with a large law firm and/or corporate law department

• Working knowledge of employment and labor laws, including US and state law equivalents, such as FLSA, Title VII/FEHA, ADAAA, ADEA, OWBPA, WARN, OSHA/CalOSHA, FMLA/CFRA, PFL, Paid Sick Leave, wage and hour, reasonable accommodations, background checks, contingent workforce, performance management, disciplinary actions/terminations

• Experience managing matters for clients in California, as well as Federal and other state jurisdictions, through a large law firm or combination of firm and private corporate settings

• Excellent communication skills with a commitment to integrity, professionalism, collegiality, and keeping stakeholders appropriately informed

• Good business acumen and experience developing and recommending practical and strategic approaches to legal challenges facing business clients

• Demonstrated ability to interact and collaborate effectively with senior level managers and both in-house and outside counsel

• Ability to travel nationally (<5%)

Top Candidates Will Also Have

• Prior in-house counsel experience

• Flexibility and eagerness to work on broad range of legal matters

• Ability to effectively navigate and work efficiently in a matrix organization

• Ability to prioritize multiple competing projects and responsibilities.

#LI-SG1

Summary Pay Range:

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar. 

Benefits:

Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits*

• Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*

• 401(k) savings plans*

• Health Savings Account (HSA)*

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*

• Health Lifestyle Programs*

• Employee Assistance Program*

• Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*

• Career Development*

• Incentive bonus*

• Disability benefits

• Life Insurance

• Parental leave

• Adoption benefits

• Tuition Reimbursement

* These benefits also apply to part-time employees

Posting Dates:

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.     

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.  Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

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